[[Image:Orchha_abandoned_temple.jpg|thumb|300px|The temple built by the Ruler for Lord Rama]]

'''Orchha''' is a town in [[Madhya Pradesh]] near the banks of Betwa river.

'''Orchha''' is a town in [[Madhya Pradesh]] near the banks of Betwa river.

The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century.

The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century.

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==Get in==

==Get in==

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From [[Agra]]/[[Delhi]]/[[Gwalior]]: Take a train to [[Jhansi]] station, and then hire a car or auto-rickshaw to Orchha. By auto-rickshaw, it takes about 40 minutes; by car, 20 minutes. The listed price at the pre-paid taxi stand was 200 rupees, however, you'll have to negotiate the price with the driver that you take.

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From [[Agra]]/[[Delhi]]/[[Gwalior]]: Take a train to [[Jhansi]] station, and then you have two options. The easier but more expensive option is you can hire a car or auto-rickshaw to Orchha which is 15KM away. By auto-rickshaw, it takes about 40 minutes; by car, 20 minutes. The listed price at the pre-paid taxi stand was 200 rupees, however, you'll have to negotiate the price with the driver that you take. A cheaper way is to pile into one of the auto-rickshaws outside the train station which serve as a bus shuttle-- see if it's going to the bus station, which should only cost 10 rupees this way. From the bus station there are other shuttle auto-rickshaws that head to Orchha for 20 rupees per person, though you might have to wait a few minutes till it leaves; they only go when full.

You can reach Orchha while returning to [[Jhansi]] from [[Khajuraho]], as a detour. While coming to Jhansi from Khajuraho, when you reach on the outskirts of Jhansi city, take left on the Orchha ''Tigaila''(triangle). That road will lead to Orchha.

You can reach Orchha while returning to [[Jhansi]] from [[Khajuraho]], as a detour. While coming to Jhansi from Khajuraho, when you reach on the outskirts of Jhansi city, take left on the Orchha ''Tigaila''(triangle). That road will lead to Orchha.

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There is a small railway station at Orchha in which only very few trains stop. Jhansi - Khajuraho Passenger(229A) has stoppage at Orchha. Khajuraho - Jhansi passenger (230A) reaches Orchha by 4:45Pm. Orchha railway station is 5Kms away from Orchha town. Hire a rickshaw and pay Rs. 50 max to get to Orchha.

==Get around==

==Get around==

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The village is small enough that you can walk most of it.

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The village is small enough that you can walk just about anywhere.

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Orchha To Khajuraho around 185Km about 4 hours by taxi,Contact OM Shanti Tours Orchha for a Cheap Taxi Mob. 09993274701.

==See==

==See==

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* '''Sunder Mahal''': This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

* '''Sunder Mahal''': This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

* '''Cenotaphs''': There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa on the south end of town. You can climb up to the roof for views of the river.

* '''Cenotaphs''': There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa on the south end of town. You can climb up to the roof for views of the river.

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[[Image:Orchha_sawan_bhado_towers.jpg|thumb|Sawan Bhado Twin towers]]

==Buy==

==Buy==

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==Eat==

==Eat==

There are a number of small quaint street restaurants near the entrance to the palaces, serving inexpensive Indian, Asian and assorted "Western" cuisine.

There are a number of small quaint street restaurants near the entrance to the palaces, serving inexpensive Indian, Asian and assorted "Western" cuisine.

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*<eat name="Didi's Cafe" alt="" address="Near Ganpati Hotel, Main Road, Orchha" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="8am-6pm" price="good value" lat="" long="">Run by Irish 'Didi' and her Indian husband, Loyal, this is a great place to relax, read books and drink strong coffee. Only serves Western food and snacks, but also does pasta occasionally - and great cakes if enough people are in town. Both the Banoffi Pie and chocolate cheesecake are great.</eat>

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*<eat name="Khajuraho Foo P" alt="" address="Main Road, near Blue Sky Restaurant" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Good, cheap food prepared by an adorable Indian woman named Puja and served by her friendly, talkative husband, Nayek. They also offer cooking classes: you choose what you want to learn from the menu, they take you to the kitchen and show you how to prepare it, and then you get to eat the final product. Even better, you pay what you think the cooking lesson was worth (plus the cost of the meal).</eat>

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*<eat name="Krishna palace view roof top restaurant" alt="" address="between hotel Ganpati and Fort view guesthouse" directions="Main road Orchha" phone="+919893207798" url="[email protected]" hours="07:30 AM to 10:30 PM" price="10 Rs to 100 Rs" lat="" long="">Restaurant with a beautiful view of the palace. You can enjoy tasty Indian, Chinese and Continental food. The dishes are prepared with fresh market produce. The menu offers many choices at attractive prices. But this place is primarily a meeting place and you will be warmly welcomed by Ravi.</eat>

* <sleep name="Sheesh Mahal" attached to "Jehangir Mahal" phone="07680 252624" price="Rs.2000-5000" geo="25.350716,78.643677">Situated in the palace, it is a beautifully designed hotel set in pristine heritage.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Sheesh Mahal" attached to "Jehangir Mahal" phone="07680 252624" price="Rs.2000-5000" geo="25.350716,78.643677">Situated in the palace, it is a beautifully designed hotel set in pristine heritage.</sleep>

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* <sleep name="Betwa Retreat" address "south end of town" price="Rs.1000 - 5000".> A resort located on the banks of the picturesque Betwa River, it has host of options like regular rooms and adventurous swiss tents. </sleep>

* <sleep name="Betwa Retreat" address "south end of town" price="Rs.1000 - 5000".> A resort located on the banks of the picturesque Betwa River, it has host of options like regular rooms and adventurous swiss tents. </sleep>

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* <sleep name="Orchha Resort" address "south end of town" price "Rs.2000-6500" phone="07680 252759" geo="25.344734,78.639332"> Located near the banks of Betwa river and the Cenotaphs, it offers an amazing holiday option. Cultural programs, a great poolside place, good food and comfy rooms.

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* <sleep name="Amar Mahal " address "south end of town" phone="07680 252102" geo="25.344734,78.639332"> Amar Mahal is on a small hill just a stones throw away from the impressive cenotaphs on the Betwa river . The hotel is built and decorated in the traditional Bundelkhand architectural style . The strategic location ensures panoramic views of the monuments and the surrounding hills and forests . Almost every room has a view of some important monument. Amar Mahal has 46 rooms in total which include three categories , Deluxe , Super Deluxe and Suite [http://www.amarmahal.com]

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All the above three are run by the MP state tourism department. On line bookings can be done at [http://www.mptourism.com/dest/orchha_accomm.html]. </sleep>

You can get an auto rickshaw driver to take you to Jhansi for around Rs.200.

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*'''Jhansi''' - You can get an auto rickshaw driver to take you to Jhansi for around Rs.120, or tell them you want to share the rickshaw (meaning you wait for it to be filled with 8-13 more people) and pay Rs.15 total.

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*'''Khajuraho''' - The only train to Khajuraho leaves Orchh train station at 7:25 am every day. It's a local train and makes many stops. The trip takes around 5 1/2 hours and is generally not very crowded; you can safely buy a ticket a half-hour before the train arrives and be assured of getting a seat Reaching the Orchha train station costs between Rs.10-20 in a shared rickshaw which can be found near the bus station.

A round trip to Khajuraho by taxi can be arranged at any of the travel agencies for around Rs.2000.

A round trip to Khajuraho by taxi can be arranged at any of the travel agencies for around Rs.2000.

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*'''Pranpur''' [http://indiauntravelled.com/pranpur.html]. - Located 60 km from Orchha. A good place to buy Chanderi Silk Saris directly from the weavers at affordable prices. Accommodation is provided at the Amraee Guest House, run by the village tourism committee. Weaving & craft workshops can be arranged on prior notice. Advance booking is required & can be made at +91 8527 141 626.

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{{IsPartOf|Madhya Pradesh}}

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{{IsPartOf|Jabalpur-Sagar Division}}

{{geo|25.35074|78.64130}}

{{geo|25.35074|78.64130}}

Revision as of 10:55, 3 October 2012

The temple built by the Ruler for Lord Rama

Orchha is a town in Madhya Pradesh near the banks of Betwa river.
The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century.
The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.

Contents

Get in

From Agra/Delhi/Gwalior: Take a train to Jhansi station, and then you have two options. The easier but more expensive option is you can hire a car or auto-rickshaw to Orchha which is 15KM away. By auto-rickshaw, it takes about 40 minutes; by car, 20 minutes. The listed price at the pre-paid taxi stand was 200 rupees, however, you'll have to negotiate the price with the driver that you take. A cheaper way is to pile into one of the auto-rickshaws outside the train station which serve as a bus shuttle-- see if it's going to the bus station, which should only cost 10 rupees this way. From the bus station there are other shuttle auto-rickshaws that head to Orchha for 20 rupees per person, though you might have to wait a few minutes till it leaves; they only go when full.

You can reach Orchha while returning to Jhansi from Khajuraho, as a detour. While coming to Jhansi from Khajuraho, when you reach on the outskirts of Jhansi city, take left on the Orchha Tigaila(triangle). That road will lead to Orchha.
There is a small railway station at Orchha in which only very few trains stop. Jhansi - Khajuraho Passenger(229A) has stoppage at Orchha. Khajuraho - Jhansi passenger (230A) reaches Orchha by 4:45Pm. Orchha railway station is 5Kms away from Orchha town. Hire a rickshaw and pay Rs. 50 max to get to Orchha.

Get around

The village is small enough that you can walk just about anywhere.
Orchha To Khajuraho around 185Km about 4 hours by taxi,Contact OM Shanti Tours Orchha for a Cheap Taxi Mob. 09993274701.

See

Orchha is a tiny farming town dotted with historical sites.
Of note:

Jehangir Mahal from atop Raj Mahal

Fort Complex: The fort complex is a great place to visit; hit this first to obtain an all-day ticket good for all the sights in Orchha. Divided into 3 parts, it consists of

Raj Mahal: Situated to the right of the quadrangle, this palace was built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colourful on a variety of religious themes. Get a good guide inside here to take you all over the complex, including locked rooms, for a tip.

Jehangir Mahal: Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.

Rai Parveen Mahal: Poetess and musician, Rai Parveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672- 76) and was sent to Delhi on the orders of the Emperor Akbar, who was captivated by her. She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love for Indramani that he sent her back to Orchha.

Ram Raja temple (closed during the afternoon): This is the center around which the life of Orchha revolves. The presiding Deity here is Lord Ram. The idols were meant to be installed in the magnificent Chaturbhuj temple, but when the idols, once kept on the ground(where they are today), refused to move. So a makeshift temple was built around it and is known as Ram Raja temple. It has an excellent courtyard, tiled with marble and the temple in pink and yellow colors, gives a bright look. No photography.

Chaturbhuj Temple: Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained in the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity. Find the hidden stairs to the roof for a view of the entire area.

Laxminarayan Temple: A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in excellent state of preservation, with the colours retaining their vivid quality.

Phool Bagh: Laid out as a formal garden, this complex testifies to the refined aesthetic qualities of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight pillared palace-pavilion. A subterranean structure below was the cool summer retreat of the Orchha kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation connects the underground palace with Chandan Katora, a bowl-like structure from whose fountains droplets of water filtered through to the roof, simulating rainfall.

Sunder Mahal: This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

Cenotaphs: There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa on the south end of town. You can climb up to the roof for views of the river.

Sawan Bhado Twin towers

Buy

A very small market starting from the main crossroads in front of the Ram Raja temple, coming towards the temple compound, is full of small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, beaded chains, gemstones, and other such items. If you are good at bargaining, you can enjoy the shopping here.

Eat

There are a number of small quaint street restaurants near the entrance to the palaces, serving inexpensive Indian, Asian and assorted "Western" cuisine.

Didi's Cafe, Near Ganpati Hotel, Main Road, Orchha. 8am-6pm. Run by Irish 'Didi' and her Indian husband, Loyal, this is a great place to relax, read books and drink strong coffee. Only serves Western food and snacks, but also does pasta occasionally - and great cakes if enough people are in town. Both the Banoffi Pie and chocolate cheesecake are great.good value.

Khajuraho Foo P, Main Road, near Blue Sky Restaurant. Good, cheap food prepared by an adorable Indian woman named Puja and served by her friendly, talkative husband, Nayek. They also offer cooking classes: you choose what you want to learn from the menu, they take you to the kitchen and show you how to prepare it, and then you get to eat the final product. Even better, you pay what you think the cooking lesson was worth (plus the cost of the meal).

Krishna palace view roof top restaurant, between hotel Ganpati and Fort view guesthouse (Main road Orchha), ☎+919893207798, [1]. 07:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Restaurant with a beautiful view of the palace. You can enjoy tasty Indian, Chinese and Continental food. The dishes are prepared with fresh market produce. The menu offers many choices at attractive prices. But this place is primarily a meeting place and you will be warmly welcomed by Ravi.10 Rs to 100 Rs.

Drink

Orchha has a booze shop in the prominent market place. Don't expect big brands here.
If you stay at the pricier accommodations suggested here, you have an attached bar option. But otherwise there are no bars or private pubs.

Sleep

Budget

Gantapi Guesthouse, North end of town, ☎07680 252765. Decent clean rooms, small garden with view of the palaces, hot water.Rs.600. (25.353004,78.641317)

Mid-range

Sheesh Mahal, ☎07680 252624. Situated in the palace, it is a beautifully designed hotel set in pristine heritage.Rs.2000-5000. (25.350716,78.643677)

Betwa Retreat. A resort located on the banks of the picturesque Betwa River, it has host of options like regular rooms and adventurous swiss tents. "Rs.1000.

Amar Mahal, ☎07680 252102. Amar Mahal is on a small hill just a stones throw away from the impressive cenotaphs on the Betwa river . The hotel is built and decorated in the traditional Bundelkhand architectural style . The strategic location ensures panoramic views of the monuments and the surrounding hills and forests . Almost every room has a view of some important monument. Amar Mahal has 46 rooms in total which include three categories , Deluxe , Super Deluxe and Suite [2] * <sleep name="Betwa Cottages" address="south end of town" phone="" email="" info="run by the MP state tourism department." url="http://www.mptourism.com/dest/orchha_accomm.html" checkin="" checkout="" price="">(25.344734,78.639332)

Get out

Jhansi - You can get an auto rickshaw driver to take you to Jhansi for around Rs.120, or tell them you want to share the rickshaw (meaning you wait for it to be filled with 8-13 more people) and pay Rs.15 total.

Khajuraho - The only train to Khajuraho leaves Orchh train station at 7:25 am every day. It's a local train and makes many stops. The trip takes around 5 1/2 hours and is generally not very crowded; you can safely buy a ticket a half-hour before the train arrives and be assured of getting a seat Reaching the Orchha train station costs between Rs.10-20 in a shared rickshaw which can be found near the bus station.

A round trip to Khajuraho by taxi can be arranged at any of the travel agencies for around Rs.2000.

Pranpur[3]. - Located 60 km from Orchha. A good place to buy Chanderi Silk Saris directly from the weavers at affordable prices. Accommodation is provided at the Amraee Guest House, run by the village tourism committee. Weaving & craft workshops can be arranged on prior notice. Advance booking is required & can be made at +91 8527 141 626.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!